The 4-1-1

I saw a quote once that stated "the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."  Figuring out how to best communicate information regarding the "world of benefits" is often difficult.  I realize most of us spend many hours in our day just trying to wade our way through the countless e-mails flooding our inbox.  I know how this works all too well: a.  another e-mail about benefits, I will just open it later - as it slowly moves down the dark recesses of the inbox and into the "never to be seen or heard from again" email collection; b. you have 150 more important e-mails to read and work through, you will just look at it later; c. frankly you just don't care to see another e-mail with my name on it so you hit DELETE and smile while doing it!   Honestly, some of the information I have to share I hit the "SEND" button and then duck and cover under my desk.  See, even though I work in Benefits, doesn't mean I get extra benefits.  Darn the luck!

So, I thought I would join the world of blogging, the blogosphere so to speak.  Here, I will share as much information as I can.  See, I love quotes and another one I found read something like this: “He who knows, does not speak.  He who speaks, does not know."  What I don't want to do is "try" to share what I think I know...I want to be 100% positive about the information I disseminate. 

While on occasion I will still need to send out e-mails with important information regarding updates, plan changes, etc. - this blog will be a place where I can just share other information regarding benefits, helpful hints, etc. 

If you have suggestions on information you would like to see on the blog,  please let me know. Although I would like to tell you "I know everything" when it comes to the decision making process regarding our benefits, well I can't.  So, with that said, there may be some things you would like to see on here that I just won't be able to share.  Not necessarily because I wouldn't want to but because I don't have access to the information. 

I hope that you will find this form of communication beneficial and helpful. 

Thank you, 

Alicia Hutchins
TEES
Employee Benefits Representative
aliciahutchins@tees.tamus.edu